Flipping channels last Friday, I came across BookTV on C-Span, and they had on some professor who wrote some anti-Cheney book – the details really aren’t important. What was interesting to me was that the room was full of real, bona-fide liberals who truly believe in what the Democratic party now stands for: abortion rights, world peace under the auspices of the UN, atheism, environmental rights over all other considerations, etc. Anyway, because they were not being challenged by conservatives, they were calmly eloquent. And though I disagreed with everything they said, I respect their right to have different beliefs. Two things that were said regarded separation of the Christian church from state (isn’t that what it truly is?). First, an audience member said that he was disturbed by the fact that policy was now being made by Christians who believe that abortion is somehow a sin against God. This was a great reality check for me; I wasn’t aware that there was an argument that abortion was okay with God. Second, an audience member said it bothered him that Christians were in power because they look forward to war because it means the Second Coming is at hand, and he believed they would speed it up so Jesus would come again. That blew me away big time, that Christians could be so scary. I guess Christian emphasis on the suffering of Christ as atonement for our sins might scare them a little bit, too. So I wanted to pass that along here just to give you a little insight into what is so frightening for liberals about us nutty ol’ Christians.

I think Daniel’s 3:50 PM comment, and the ones answering him, were intended to go into that other thread.

http://www.africana.com/research/blackfacts/bl_fact_268.asp

Jefferson in the letter to Danbury Congregation.

I contemplate with solemn reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.

It is my belief that the 1st amendment is not one dimensional, and that it was enacted for protecting both those who worship and those which if a single religion were to take greater hold of government would be descriminated and prosecuted.

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

I am come to send fire on the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! (original translation) Our Lord realized that his mission was divisive and disturbing. He saw clearly that the cross would be a point of controversy and argument, and wished that his lifting up (John 12:32) had already been accomplished. 50. I have a baptism to be baptized with. Christ was referring to his death (cf. Mark 10:38). He felt that his power would be restricted until the work of the cross could be finished. 51. Nay; but rather division. Judaism was a family religion in which the people worshiped by households rather than as individuals. Jesus foresaw that his claims would cut across family life, and would necessitate individual decisions.
(from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press)

Actually, Richard, we’re all sinners. The saved are forgiven. That’s the difference. And while I don’t feel “glee” because of the impending damnation of unbelievers, Scripture speaks loudly and clearly about the desire of the saints, at least those who were martyred:

“Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs

When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.” (Revelation 6: 9-11)

As soon as I read this post, I just knew the kind of responses you were going to get. The predictability of some people is quite amusing. Great job as usual.

So, we bought 3 seasons worth of Little House on The Prairie (we watch DVDs on our computer). We hadn’t watched them for 20+ years, so we had forgotten much of what they were like. We were surprised to find that they preached Jesus in almost every episode, and prayed before every meal. You do not frequently find that on TV anymore today. Touched by an Angel was controversial for just mentioning God. We watch them happily but are saddened by the fact that they would not be a new show today.

However, we know our job is not to redeem the culture but to redeem souls. My husband likens our society to the Titanic. We know the ship is sinking, we just have to get as many people into lifeboats as possible, and slow down the sinking process if possible so more people can be saved.

I also like Elizabeth Dole. I’m pleased that she had the courage to say what she did. Plus, she’s got a great name!

I had always read that exclamation by Christ as a profound longing for His work to be completed, both out of a divine thirst for holiness and the fulfillment of the Father’s will, and out of a very human desire to be finished with a looming task that one knows will be arduous and awful (foreshadowings of Gethsemene?).

That’s very well put, AWG. My quality of writing is sort of edgy, but what you just said is what I was trying to say.